Next season ? Worlds in her country and she won't be able to pull it together this season, it will be a blow to her confidence.

I dunno, if any lady skater in the world today has grit and determination to successfully revamp for the long haul while taking her lumps in the short term, it's Mao. I will say that the JSF should seriously consider NOT sending Mao to Worlds though--unless she has a miraculous re-arising from these ashes by Japanese nationals. Right now, I'd say Ando, Suzuki, and Murakami are stronger bets for this season.

My coach always told me that the best skaters can skate programs which makes us feel that the jumps are just decoration. She means that jumps are important but because the skater can do other elements such as spins, foot work, spirals, inbetween moves so beautifully with so much of artistry and musicality that jumps become less important in the program. In that sense, Daisuke Tkahashi, Sasha Cohen belong to that great skaters.And today, I thought Mao belongs to that group. I know she really messed up her jumps, but i really enjoyed the rest of the program. So classy and elegant and fluid. I could not take my eyes off of her program.

I dunno, if any lady skater in the world today has grit and determination to successfully revamp for the long haul while taking her lumps in the short term, it's Mao. I will say that the JSF should seriously consider NOT sending Mao to Worlds though--unless she has a miraculous re-arising from these ashes by Japanese nationals. Right now, I'd say Ando, Suzuki, and Murakami are stronger bets for this season.

But if Yuna is going to show up at next year's worlds I still think Mao will be there, with her struggles Mao is still the best Japanese lady skater for me.

My coach always told me that the best skaters can skate programs which makes us feel that the jumps are just decoration. She means that jumps are important but because the skater can do other elements such as spins, foot work, spirals, inbetween moves so beautifully with so much of artistry and musicality that jumps become less important in the program. In that sense, Daisuke Tkahashi, Sasha Cohen belong to that great skaters.And today, I thought Mao belongs to that group. I know she really messed up her jumps, but i really enjoyed the rest of the program. So classy and elegant and fluid. I could not take my eyes off of her program.

As an avid Mao fan, I am trying to be objective, but I understand what you are saying exactly! That performance was so beautiful despite the jumps. I was so incredibly relieved to see Mao smiling a little before and during the program, where yesterday her face looked nervous. This LP was a huge step in the right direction.

That will prob make the case of selecting top GPF and/or National champion and runner up and reserve 3th spot for Mao. World being in Tokyo, and seeing how all the japanese skaters doign well this season, it will be a huge draw for the nation. All the media, sponspors, tickets sell. prob go through the roof.